Arlen Mizell was born on August 25, 1941, to John and Bessie Mizell. He was raised in Williamston, North Carolina. He graduated high school on 1959 and went to East Carolina University, where he obtained a degree in Education with a minor in Psychology. While attending East Carolina he played football, baseball and joined the Theta Chi Fraternity.
Arlen moved to Apopka, Florida in 1965. He began his teaching career at Apopka Memorial High School teaching Earth Science and Physics first, coached football and taught Physical Education. Arlen then moved to teaching Marketing and starting the DECA Program. He was a board member with Florida DECA while teaching and after retiring became the Chairman of the Board. Arlen was a dedicated teacher and mentor to his students for 38 years in Apopka High School. He also taught evening classes with Valencia Community College. Arlen retired from teaching in 2003.
Arlen, known to many as “Cosmo”, understood the importance of family and giving back to your community. Arlen was a member of the local Jaycees program, which was a community service organization, and even served as its President several times. Arlen was an active member and part of the originators of the Apopka Foliage Sertoma Club. He was also a member of the Apopka Elks Lodge #2422 and an Honorary Life Member of the Apopka VFW.
His dedication to the Apopka Community was also seen through his involvement with service groups as well as his church involvement with the First Presbyterian Church of Apopka, where he served as Elder and also a Trustee. At the church he began the feeding of those in need on Friday’s. Knowing the need was greater that one time a month, Arlen reached out to other local churches who joined the cause.
Arlen is survived by his wife of 55 years, Brenda Woodis to whom he married on November 18, 1967.
Arlen is also survived by his daughters Stacy Clemens and Laura Taylor: son-in-law Christopher Taylor; as well as grandchildren Madison Clemens and Austin Taylor. Sister-in-law Diane Sanders Woodis and her son Danny Sanders.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 5:00PM-7:00PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Apopka.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 11:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Apopka, with a reception to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made in Arlen’s name to Warrior In Me Corp, our family non-profit that supports cancer patients.